Australian school to tender public apology to Sikh student

Melbourne, Sept 2 (PTI) An Australian School has
decided to tender a public apology to a Sikh student, whom it
refused admission for wearing turban and having long hair
under its strict uniform codes.

"In an out of court settlement, Brisbane's Ormiston
College, a private school, had offered a public apology to the
family of 12-year-old child," Sikh family's lawyer Scott
McDougall said Tuesday.

A Sikh family had initiated a case last year after the
school, told them their 12-year-old son could only attend
school if he cut his hair and did not wear his turban.

The family, whose identity has been kept confidential
for legal reasons, filed a claim with Anti-Discrimination
Commission, Queensland against the college and its headmaster
Brett Webster.

"The main thing they wanted was broader understanding
within the community to the importance of being able to choose
an education whilst maintaining your religious beliefs and
identity," McDougall was quoted in an AAP report Tuesday.

"We are hopeful that other schools will take note and
it will not be repeated upon the Sikh community," the lawyer
said, adding the boy was attending another private school
where he was allowed to wear his turban and was doing well.

Principal Webster said the school was pleased the case
was now resolved.

"What we have done is we have agreed to look at our
policies and that is a commitment we will take seriously," he
said, adding "and if there is a need to modify our enrolment
or uniform policies to remain aligned with Anti-Discrimination
Act then we will do so."